How to Cut Butternut Squash Correctly and Tasty Recipe Ideas

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Have you ever wondered how to cut butternut squash safely and easily? This bright orange vegetable is delicious, healthy, and perfect for soups, salads, or roasting. Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor that many people love, especially during the fall and winter seasons. However, before you can cook it, you first need to learn how to cut butternut squash properly.

Many people find butternut squash tricky to handle because of its hard skin and unusual shape. Its thick neck and round bottom can make slicing difficult if you don't know the right technique. That's why learning how to cut butternut squash the right way is important. It's not just for safety but also for saving time in the kitchen.

In this article, you will learn how to cut butternut squash correctly and how to pick ripe ones. You will also learn how to cook butternut squash and find some tasty recipe ideas that you can try at home. We gathered the information from various sources, Sunday (12/10/2025).

Before you start, make sure you have a sharp knife, a sturdy cutting board, and a vegetable peeler. Butternut squash is tough on the outside, so safety and good tools are key. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to cut butternut squash:

Step 1: Wash and Dry the Squash

Rinse your butternut squash under cold water to remove dirt. Pat it dry with a clean towel before cutting.

Step 2: Cut Off Both Ends

Use a sharp knife to slice off the top stem and the bottom end. This helps create a flat surface so the squash won't roll around while cutting.

Step 3: Peel the Skin

Use a vegetable peeler to remove the thick outer skin. Keep peeling until you see the bright orange flesh underneath.

Step 4: Cut the Squash in Half

Place the squash upright and cut it in half where the long neck meets the round base. This makes it easier to handle and gives you two manageable pieces.

Step 5: Scoop Out the Seeds

Cut the round part in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy parts. You can save the seeds to roast later if you want.

Step 6: Cut the Long Neck

Take the long neck piece and cut it into thick slices, about one inch each. Lay each slice flat on the cutting board and cut it into long strips. Then, turn the strips and slice across to form small cubes. This part is easier because it has no seeds and is uniform in shape.

Step 7: Cut the Round Bottom

After scooping out the seeds, place the round halves flat on the board. Slice them into half-moon shapes, then cut across again to make cubes that match the size of the neck pieces.

Step 8: Ready to Cook

Now your butternut squash is peeled, seeded, and cut into even cubes. These cubes are perfect for roasting, soups, or casseroles.

Now you know how to cut butternut squash easily and safely. Next, let's talk about how to pick a ripe one.

Choosing the right butternut squash makes a big difference in flavor and texture. A ripe squash will be sweet, smooth, and perfect for cooking. Here are some easy tips to help you pick the best one:

1. Check the Color – Choose a squash with a solid beige or tan color all over. Avoid ones with green patches, dark spots, or uneven tones that show it's unripe or old.

2. Feel the Texture – The skin should feel hard, rough, and matte when you touch it. If it's shiny, smooth, or soft, the squash might not be ripe enough.

3. Test the Weight – Pick up the squash and notice its weight. A ripe butternut squash should feel heavy for its size, showing it's full of sweet, moist flesh inside.

4. Look at the Stem – Check that the stem is dry, thick, and firm to the touch. A soft or moldy stem could mean the squash has started to spoil.

5. Avoid Bruises and Cuts – Inspect the surface carefully for bruises, cracks, or cuts. These marks can make the squash rot faster and affect the flavor and texture.

If you follow these simple steps, you'll always bring home a perfectly ripe butternut squash ready for your next meal.

Once you've learned how to cut butternut squash and pick a good one, it's time to cook! There are many ways to prepare this tasty vegetable, depending on what you like. Here are some popular cooking methods:

1. Roasting

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness. Just toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25–30 minutes.

2. Boiling

Cut into cubes and boil in salted water for 10–15 minutes until soft. It's great for soups or mashed squash.

3. Steaming

Steaming keeps more nutrients. Place cubes in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 15 minutes.

4. Microwaving

For a quick option, put pieces in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes.

5. Baking Whole

If you don't want to cut it first, you can bake the whole squash. Just poke holes with a fork and bake for about 60 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Now that you know how to cut butternut squash and cook it, let's explore some easy and tasty recipes you can make at home. These dishes are simple, delicious, and perfect for any season.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs – Toss cubes with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic, then roast until golden brown.

2. Butternut Squash Soup – Blend roasted squash with onion, garlic, and vegetable broth for a creamy, comforting soup.

3. Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce – Make a smooth sauce by mixing cooked squash with cream and parmesan.

4. Butternut Squash Risotto – Add soft cubes of squash to a creamy rice dish for a sweet touch.

5. Stuffed Butternut Squash – Fill roasted halves with rice, vegetables, or cheese for a full meal.

6. Butternut Squash Salad – Combine roasted squash with spinach, nuts, and feta cheese.

7. Butternut Squash Curry – Cook squash cubes in coconut milk with curry spices for a rich, flavorful dish.

8. Butternut Squash Mash – Boil and mash squash with butter and a pinch of nutmeg.

9. Butternut Squash Fries – Cut into sticks, toss with oil, and bake until crispy.

10. Butternut Squash Pizza Topping – Use thin slices on top of a pizza with mozzarella and caramelized onions.

11. Butternut Squash Pancakes – Mix mashed squash into pancake batter for a sweet and healthy twist.

12. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – Stir pureed squash into cheese sauce for extra creaminess.

13. Butternut Squash Casserole – Combine with breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs for a warm, baked dish.

14. Butternut Squash Lasagna – Use layers of squash puree instead of tomato sauce for a unique flavor.

15. Butternut Squash Tacos – Roast small cubes and serve with beans, salsa, and lime.

By now, you should feel confident about how to cut butternut squash, pick a ripe one, and turn it into delicious dishes. With these simple steps and recipes, you'll never struggle with this amazing vegetable again. Happy cooking!